1/23/2025

COMMON COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS January 23, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. Special Meeting Mayor Hauser, Presiding Present: Johnson, Morris (5:00 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.), Sendelbach, Solsrud, Sunday Police Chief Laursen, and City Clerk-Treasurer Witte Absent: Mathson Council Member Sendelbach made a motion at 5:02 p.m. to go into Closed Session pursuant to Wisconsin Statue 19.85(1) (c), “Considering employment, promotion, compensation and performance evaluation data of any public employee over which the government body has jurisdiction or exercises responsibility…”, specifically, for the purpose of interviewing an applicant for the position of Police Officer. Council Member Morris seconded, and the motion carried on a roll call vote as follows: Ayes – Johnson, Morris, Sendelbach, Solsrud, Sunday Nays – 0 Council Member Morris, departs at 6:15 p.m. Mayor Hauser brought the meeting back into an open session at 6:24 p.m. by unanimous consent. Council Member Solsrud made a motion to hire Justin Zareczny for the position of Police Office pending a background check, drug/physical testing and psychological evaluation with employment conditions/benefits noted below. Candidate to be paid $1,000.00 per week while attending the Chippewa Valley Technical College Law Enforcement Academy. Upon successful completion of the Academy and certification as a law enforcement officer for the City of Whitehall, the probationary wage to be $29.20 per hour. A one-year probationary period to begin upon appointment as an officer. Health insurance benefits to be effective June 1, 2025. Other benefits such as retirement and the accrual of vacation, sick leave, paid holidays and the like to begin and be based upon the date of becoming a full-time officer for the City of Whitehall. A Sponsorship Agreement to be drafted and signed by the candidate and City of Whitehall. Candidate must successfully complete the Academy, become a full-time officer for the City of Whitehall, not be terminated for cause, or voluntarily leave employment for a period or repay liquidated damages in the amount of $25,000.00 on a sliding scale with years of service. Date of employment to be based upon appointment as a full-time officer for the City. The repayment is scheduled as follows: less than one year of service, 100% repayment; less than two years of service, 75% repayment; less than three years of service, 50% repayment; less than four years of service, 25% repayment. Council Member Sendelbach seconded, and the motion carried on a voice vote as follows. Ayes – Johnson, Sendelbach, Solsrud, Sunday Nays – 0 Upon motion by Council Member Sendelbach and seconded by Council Member Solsrud, the meeting adjourned at 6:29 p.m. The foregoing reports, resolutions, motions, ordinances, etc. contained in this are These minutes are the true and correct herewith approved by the undersigned. original and consist of one page. ___________________________________ ___________________________________ Jeff Hauser, Mayor Karen Witte, City Clerk/Treasurer